Who Owns That Big Stick in the Sky?
So, you’re wondering who owns that colossal, glass-clad behemoth that dominates the Chicago skyline? Let’s dive into the murky waters of real estate ownership, shall we?
Sears, Schmeans! It’s Not About Shopping Anymore
First off, let's clear something up: it’s not called the Sears Tower anymore. Sorry to burst your bubble if you were planning a nostalgic shopping spree at the top. In a shocking turn of events (not really), it was renamed the Willis Tower in 2009. But let's face it, we all still think of it as the Sears Tower, right? It's like calling a Kleenex a tissue.
A Towering Tale of Ownership
Now, about that owner. You might think it's some billionaire with a penchant for sky-high real estate. Or maybe a secret society of aliens using it as a base. Nope. It's actually owned by Blackstone Group. You know, those normal, everyday folks who just happen to manage hundreds of billions of dollars.
Blackstone bought the tower in 2015 and has been busy giving it a facelift. They’re turning it into a mixed-use space, with offices, apartments, and even retail (oh, the irony). It’s like they’re trying to cram an entire city into one building. We can only imagine the rent prices.
So, Who’s Really in Charge?
While Blackstone owns the building, let's not forget about the people who actually use the space. There are thousands of office workers, tourists snapping selfies at the Skydeck, and probably a few pigeons nesting in the nooks and crannies. So, in a way, we all kind of own a tiny piece of the Willis Tower.
How to...
- How to visit the Skydeck: Purchase tickets online or at the Willis Tower. Prepare to be amazed by the views!
- How to avoid the crowds at the Skydeck: Go on a weekday morning or late afternoon.
- How to impress your friends with your Willis Tower knowledge: Drop some fun facts about the building's history or architecture.
- How to imagine owning the Willis Tower: Start saving those pennies (or maybe those billions).
- How to accept that you probably won’t own the Willis Tower: Focus on enjoying the view from the ground.
